News Brief
India Condemns Pakistani Brutality Against 'Innocent' PoK Civilians, Calls For Accountability
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
In its first response to the violence against protestors in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), India on Friday (3 October) condemned the brutalities by Pakistani forces and stressed the need for accountability, The Daily Jagaran reported.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports of protests across several areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including acts of brutality by Pakistani forces against innocent civilians. This is a natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach, and they must be held accountable.”
Pakistani security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), leaving at least 12 civilians dead in one of the region’s deadliest unrest episodes in recent years.
The protests, initially sparked by the government’s inaction on 38 pending demands, have expanded into a broader movement against military excesses.
Pakistani authorities have used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse crowds.
Reports indicate that five protesters were killed in Muzaffarabad, five in Dheerkot, and two in Dadyal. At least three police personnel have also lost their lives.
Led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (AAC), the agitation has paralyzed daily life. Protesters are demanding the abolition of 12 legislative seats in POK reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan. Since 29 September, markets and businesses have remained closed, and communication services—including mobile, internet, and landlines—have been fully suspended.
Nasir Aziz Khan, spokesperson for the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), called on the UN and the global community to intervene, warning of an impending humanitarian crisis. Addressing the 60th UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Khan urged member states to uphold their obligations under international law.
The unrest follows last week’s Pakistan Air Force airstrikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which killed 30 civilians, heightening fears of state-led violence.
